Leaders summit still holds weight: politicians, pundits

By Chelsea NashJul. 6, 2016

'You can't turn the clock back' on what was achieved at the summit, says Robertson.

Discussions between the three heads of government at the North American Leaders’ summit in Ottawa last week were still important, experts say, despite the impending departure of U.S. President Barack Obama (pictured) early next year. Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

Trade, unity, and cross-border relations dominated talks at the North American Leaders Summit last week, which ended with Canadian members of Parliament chanting “four more years” for outgoing President Barack Obama after his address in the House of Commons.

Gerald Butts has removed himself from the daily political grind of strategizing how to keep the Liberals in power. But observers say it's unlikely he will be consigned to watch the campaign unfold from the sidelines.

SNC-Lavalin risks a takeover if it's convicted. But aside from likely outrage in Quebec, Ottawa can find other builders for its infrastructure plans if the company is banned from bidding on federal contracts, experts say

The Quebec company had extensive access to government ministers and top staffers, and was the only organization registered to lobby for allowing deferred prosecution agreements for white collar crimes.